Tribar

ABSTRACT

A dumbbell with multiple gripping handles contains a central bar, a first side handle, a second side handle, a first attachment panel, and a second attachment panel. The central bar includes a main body, a first weight engaging portion, and a second weight engaging portion. The main body is similar to the handle of existing dumbbells and is positioned in between the first weight engaging portion and the second weight engaging portion. Both the first weight engaging portion and the second weight engaging portion are utilized to mount a plurality of weight plates. In addition to the main body, the first side handle and the second side handle can also be used to control the plurality of weight plates. In order to do so, the first side handle and the second side handle are removably attached to the central bar through the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/094,483 filed on Dec. 19, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a weight lifting dumbbell. More specifically, the present invention introduces a dumbbell which provides multiple gripping positions for the user. The additional handles are beneficial to maintain correct form when executing weight lifting exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weight lifting is a popular form of exercise among all types of exercisers. An individual may choose to perform weight training exercises with either free weights or machines. Machines can be challenging however most who have perfected their form prefer free weights. Another benefit free weights provide is the accessibility. An individual may use free weights at the gym or at home. Buying free weights for home use is easier on a person's budget than an entire exercise machine. Machines are also limited to the type of exercises a user may perform. Free weights allow an individual to perform a variety of exercises, allow the individual to have a full range of motion, require the use of every muscle, and allow the individual to perform the exercise in any location of his or her choosing. One of the most commonly used free weights are dumbbells. However, the traditional dumbbells are limited as well. Traditional dumbbells comprise of a single bar and a fixed weight. Due to the single bar, the form of the user is limited and at times very tiring on a person's body. Due to the fixed weight, the intensity of the user's workout is limited once the user has been acclimatized to the weight.

However, dumbbells have certain limitations too. These limitations are mainly due to the restricted gripping area of the traditional dumbbells. Since the dumbbell handle is traditionally designed to accommodate one hand at a time, performing exercises that require holding the dumbbell with two hands require additional effort. Therefore, the need for a method in which the user can grip the dumbbell at multiple positions is clearly evident.

The present invention is meant to accommodate the user in all the ways the traditional dumbbells do not. The present invention comprises a central bar, a couple of side handles, couple of cushion grips, a couple of cross bars, a couple of collars, and a plurality of screws. The user may choose to grip the central bar as if it were a traditional dumbbell or grip the couple of side handles. The weight put onto the central bar may be adjusted according to the user's ability and type of exercise. The Tribar is easily customizable to the user's needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention engaged with a plurality of weight plates.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention without the plurality of weight plates.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the plurality of weight plates.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention introduces a dumbbell with multiple gripping positions. More specifically, the present invention introduces a pair of additional handles that can also be used for gripping a dumbbell. Each of the pair of additional handles is positioned on either side of the main handle of the dumbbell. As a result, the use of the original dumbbell handle is not hindered.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the present invention comprises a central bar 1, a first side handle 8, a second side handle 11, a first attachment panel 13, and a second attachment panel 14. The central bar 1 comprises a main body 2, a first weight engaging portion 6, and a second weight engaging portion 7. The main body 2 functions as the main gripping handle for the dumbbell. The first weight engaging portion 6 and the second weight engaging portion 7 are utilized to hold a plurality of weight plates 23. As an example, if the first weight engaging portion 6 holds five pounds, the second weight engaging portion 7 also holds five pounds. However, the weights at the first weight engaging portion 6 and the second weight engaging portion 7 can vary according to the exercise the user intends on executing. In order to control the plurality of weight plates 23 from a mechanically advantageous position, the main body 2 is positioned in between the first weight engaging portion 6 and the second weight engaging portion 7 as seen in FIG. 4. In addition to the main body 2, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are also used to handle the plurality of weight plates 23 mounted onto the central bar 1. In order to do so, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are removably attached to the central bar 1 with the first attachment panel 13 and the second attachment panel 14. When attached, the first side handle 8, the main body 2, and the second side handle 11 are positioned in between the first attachment panel 13 and the second attachment panel 14. Moreover, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are also positioned between the first weight engaging portion 6 and the second weight engaging portion 7. Therefore, the plurality of weight plates 23 at the first weight engaging portion 6 and the second weight engaging portion 7 can be handled conveniently with the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11. Both the first attachment panel 13 and the second attachment panel 14 are positioned perpendicular to the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11. As seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are positioned opposite to each other along the first attachment panel 13 and the second attachment panel 14. As a result, when both the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are utilized, the weight of the plurality of weight plates 23 is evenly distributed among the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11. The first attachment panel 13 and the second attachment panel 14 are terminally attached to the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 such that the user is provided with ample space to grab the first side handle 8, the main body 2, or the second side handle 11 as preferred. Moreover, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are positioned in parallel to the central bar 1 to replicate the regular gripping position of the dumbbell. Therefore, the range of motion of a lifting exercise is not hindered by utilizing the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11.

The present invention utilizes a first collar 18 and a second collar 19 to secure the plurality of weight plates 23. The shape and size of the first collar 18 and the second collar 19 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first collar 18 comprises a central hole 20. The first collar 18 is utilized to secure the plurality of weight plates 23 at the first weight engaging portion 6. In doing so, the first weight engaging portion 6 traverses through the central hole 20 such that the first collar 18 is engaged with the first weight engaging portion 6. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a threaded portion of the first weight engaging portion 6 and a set of threads of the first collar 18 is utilized to engage the first collar 18 with the first weight engaging portion 6. When the first collar 18 is utilized at the first weight engaging portion 6, the first attachment panel 13 is positioned in between the main body 2 and the first collar 18. When considering a first end 3 of the main body 2, the first attachment panel 13 is positioned in between the first end 3 and the first collar 18. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first collar 18 further comprises a circular structural body 21 and a plurality of protrusions 22. However, the shape and size of the first collar 18 can vary in different embodiments of the present invention. The central hole 20 traverses through the circular structural body 21. Therefore, when the first weight engaging portion 6 traverses through the central hole 20, the first weight engaging portion 6 is secured by the circular structural body 21. The plurality of protrusions 22, which is used for gripping purposes, is perimetrically positioned around the circular structural body 21 and opposite the central hole 20. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 22 is beneficial to the user to maintain a firm grip with the first collar 18 when fastening or unfastening the first collar 18 on the first weight engaging portion 6.

Similar to the first collar 18, the second collar 19 is utilized to secure the plurality of weight plates 23 at the second weight engaging portion 7. In doing so, the second weight engaging portion 7 traverses through a central hole 20 of the second collar 19. When the second weight engaging portion 7 traverses through the central hole 20 of the second collar 19, the second collar 19 engages with the second weight engaging portion 7. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a threaded portion of the second weight engaging portion 7 and a set of threads of the second collar 19 is utilized to engage the second collar 19 with the second weight engaging portion 7. The positioning of the second collar 19, results in the second weight engagement panel 7 being positioned in between the main body 2 and the second collar 19. When considering a second end 4 of the main body 2, the second attachment panel 14 is positioned in between the second end 4 and the second collar 19. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second collar 19 further comprises a circular structural body 21 and a plurality of protrusions 22. As in the first collar 18, the central hole 20 of the second collar 19 traverses through the circular structural body 21 of the second collar 19. Moreover, the plurality of protrusions 22 of the second collar 19 is also perimetrically positioned around circular structural body 21 of the second collar 19 opposite the central hole 20 of the second collar 19. The plurality of protrusions 22 of the second collar 19 is also helpful to the user when fastening or unfastening the second collar 19 to the second weight engaging portion 7.

As experienced by many individuals, when performing lifting exercises a comfortable grip needs to be maintained throughout the exercise to perform the exercise accurately. With most dumbbells, the user is unable to maintain a comfortable grip and the dumbbell tends to slip from the hand of the user. Slipping of the dumbbell minimizes the effectiveness of the exercise and can be potentially dangerous to the user as well. The present invention addresses the issue by introducing a soft covering 5. The soft covering 5 sleeves the main body 2 from the first end 3 to the second end 4. The first end 3 and the second end 4 are positioned opposite to each other and along the main body 2 such that the entire main body 2 is covered by the soft covering 5. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the main body 2 is larger at the first end 3 and the second end 4. As a result, the user can clearly identify the first end 3 and the second end 4 and adjust the grip on the main body 2 accordingly. The first end 3 and the second end 4 also prevents the hand from slipping off from the main body 2.

Since the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are also used for gripping purposes, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 also need to provide a firm gripping surface to the user. In order to provide the firm gripping surface, the first side handle 8 comprises a first cylindrical body 9 and a first covering 10. The first cylindrical body 9 is sleeved by the first covering 10 such that the user can maintain a steady hold on the first side handle 8. The first cylindrical body 9 allows the user to comfortably position the hand around the first side handle 8. Similar to the first side handle 8, the second side handle 11 comprises a second cylindrical body 26 and a second covering 12. The second cylindrical body 26 is sleeved by the second covering 12 such that the user can maintain a firm grip on the second side handle 11. The second cylindrical body 26 allows the user to comfortably position the hand around the second side handle 11. As a whole, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are specifically designed to allow the user to maintain a secure grip throughout the exercise.

As previously mentioned, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are attached to the central bar 1 through the first attachment panel 13 and the second attachment panel 14. In order to do so, the first attachment panel 13 comprises a central bar receiving hole 15, a first screw receiving hole 16, and a second screw receiving hole 17 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are attached to the first attachment panel 13 utilizing screws. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the first attachment panel 13 can be connected to the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 using other comparable mechanisms. The central bar receiving hole 15 is positioned in between the first screw receiving hole 16 and the second screw receiving hole 17 as seen in FIG. 5. The first side handle 8 is attached to the first attachment panel 13 at the first screw receiving hole 16. Therefore, the distance between the central bar receiving hole 15 and the first screw receiving hole 16 determines the distance at which the first side handle 8 is positioned from the main body 2. Similarly, the second side handle 11 is attached to the first attachment panel 13 at the second screw receiving hole 17. Therefore, the distance between the central bar 1 and the second side handle 11 is determined by the distance between the central bar receiving hole 15 and the second screw receiving hole 17. As mentioned before, the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 are attached to the first attachment panel 13 using screws. In order to accommodate the screws, the first screw receiving hole 16 and the second screw receiving hole 17 traverses through the first attachment panel 13. As an example, we will consider attaching the first side handle 8 to the first attachment panel 13 using a screw. Initially, the screw is inserted to the first screw receiving hole 16. The screw is then pushed towards the first cylindrical body 9 such that the screw traverses into a hollow portion of the first cylindrical body 9 as illustrated in FIG. 6. For the screw to be flush against the first attachment panel 13, the first screw receiving hole 16 comprises a countersunk rim. A similar method is followed when attaching the second side handle 11 to the first attachment panel 13. The central bar receiving hole 15 also traverses through the first attachment panel 13 so that the central bar 1 can be attached to the first attachment panel 13. In doing so, the central bar receiving hole 15 is concentrically aligned with the first weight engaging portion 6 initially. Next, when the central bar receiving hole 15 engages with the central bar 1, the first weight engaging portion 6 traverses through the central bar receiving hole 15.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second attachment panel 14 is identical to the first attachment panel 13. More specifically, the second attachment panel 14 also comprises a central bar receiving hole 15, a first screw receiving hole 16, and a second screw receiving hole 17. Similar to the first attachment panel 13, the central bar receiving hole 15 of the second attachment panel 14 is positioned in between the first screw receiving hole 16 and the second screw receiving hole 17 of the second attachment panel 14. Moreover, since screws are used to attach the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11, the first screw receiving hole 16 and the second screw receiving hole 17 of the second attachment panel 14 traverse through the second attachment panel 14. A similar method is followed when attaching the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 to the second attachment panel 14. As an example, when the first side handle 11 is attached to the second attachment panel 14, a screw is inserted through the first screw receiving hole 16 of the second attachment panel 14 and into another hollow portion of the first side handle 11. Both the first screw receiving hole 16 and the second screw receiving hole 17 of the second attachment panel 14 comprise a countersunk rim such that the screws can lie flush against the second attachment panel 14. When attaching the central bar 1 to the second attachment panel 14, the central bar receiving hole 15 of the second attachment panel 14 is concentrically aligned with the second weight engaging portion 7. Next, the central bar 1 is positioned such that the second weight engaging portion 7 traverses through the central bar receiving hole 15 of the second attachment panel 14. In order to receive the second weight engaging portion 7, the central bar receiving hole 15 of the second attachment panel 14 also traverses through the second attachment panel 13.

As previously mentioned, the required weight for the dumbbell is provided through the plurality of weight plates 23. In order to do so, the plurality of weight plates 23 is attached to the first weight engaging portion 6 and the second weight engaging portion 7. The weight provided by the plurality of weight plates 23 can differ according to user preference. As shown in FIG. 7, each of the plurality of weight plates 23 comprises a structural body 24 and a receiving hole 25. The receiving hole 25 perpendicularly traverses through the center of the structural body 24. When attaching the plurality of weight plates 23 to the first weight engaging portion 6, the receiving hole 25 is concentrically aligned with the first weight engaging portion 6. Upon aligning, the first weight engaging portion 6 is positioned to traverse through the receiving hole 25. In the resultant position, the plurality of weight plates 23 is positioned in between the first attachment panel 13 and the first collar 18. A similar method is utilized to secure the plurality of weight plates 23 with the second weight engaging portion 7. In other words, the receiving hole 25 is concentrically aligned with the second weight engaging portion 7 initially. Afterwards, the plurality of weight plates 23 is positioned on the second weight engaging portion 7 such that the second weight engaging portion 7 traverses through the receiving hole 25. In the resulting position, the plurality of weight plates 23 is positioned in between the second attachment panel 14 and the second collar 19.

When utilizing the present invention the following process flow can be followed. Initially, the plurality of weight plates 23 is attached to the central bar 1. In doing so, a first set of the plurality of weight plates 23 is attached to the first weight engaging portion 6. Next, a second set of the plurality of weight plates 23, which is identical to the first set of weight plates in terms of weight is mounted onto the second weight engaging portion 7. When mounting is complete at the first weight engaging portion 6, the first set of the plurality of weight plates 23 is pressed against the first attachment panel 13. Similarly, when mounting is complete at the second weight engaging portion 7, the second set of the plurality of weight plates 23 is pressed against the second attachment panel 14. The plurality of weight plates 23 at the first weight engaging portion 6 is secured with the first collar 18. Likewise, the plurality of weight plates 23 at the second weight engaging portion 7 is secured with the second collar 19. When the plurality of weight plates 23 is secured, the user can execute the lifting exercises with the present invention. In order to do so, the user utilizes the main body 2, the first side handle 8, or the second side handle 11 to grip the present invention. The soft covering 5 of the main body 2, the first covering 10 of the first side handle 8, and the second covering 12 of the second side handle 11 ensures that the user can maintain a secure grip with the present invention. Exercises such as the overhead triceps extension, which requires the user to hold the dumbbell with both hands, can be conveniently executed by holding onto the first side handle 8 and the second side handle 11 simultaneously. Therefore, in addition to increasing the number of exercises, the present invention also helps the user execute certain exercises with greater accuracy and convenience.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A dumbbell with multiple gripping positions comprises: a central bar; a first side handle; a second side handle; a first attachment panel; a second attachment panel; the central bar comprises a main body, a first weight engaging portion, and a second weight engaging portion; the main body being positioned in between the first weight engaging portion and the second weight engaging portion; the first side handle and the second side handle being removably attached to the central bar with the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel; the first side handle, the main body, and the second side handle being positioned in between the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel; the first side handle and the second side handle being positioned opposite to each other along the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel; the first attachment panel and the second attachment panel being terminally attached to the first side handle and the second side handle; and the first side handle and the second side handle being positioned parallel to the central bar.
 2. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a first collar; the first collar comprises a central hole; the first weight engaging portion traversing through the central hole; the first collar being engaged with the first weight engaging portion; and the first attachment panel being positioned in between the main body and the first collar.
 3. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a second collar; the second collar comprises a central hole; the second weight engaging portion traversing through the central hole; the second collar being engaged with the second weight engaging portion; and the second attachment panel being positioned in between the main body and the second collar.
 4. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a soft covering; the main body comprises a first end and a second end; the first end and the second end being positioned opposite to each other along the main body; and the main body being sleeved by the soft covering from the first end to the second end.
 5. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 4 comprises: a first collar; and the first attachment panel being positioned in between the first end and the first collar.
 6. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 4 comprises: a second collar; and the second attachment panel being positioned in between the second end and the second collar.
 7. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first side handle comprises a first cylindrical body and a first covering; and the first cylindrical body being sleeved by the first covering.
 8. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the second side handle comprises a second cylindrical body and a second covering; and the second cylindrical body being sleeved by the second covering.
 9. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the first attachment panel comprises a central bar receiving hole, a first screw receiving hole, and a second screw receiving hole; the central bar receiving hole being positioned in between the first screw receiving hole and the second screw receiving hole; and the central bar receiving hole, the first screw receiving hole, and the second screw receiving hole of the first attachment panel traversing through the first attachment panel.
 10. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 9 comprises: the central bar receiving hole of the first attachment panel being concentrically aligned with the first weight engaging portion; and the first weight engaging portion traversing through the central bar receiving hole.
 11. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: the second attachment panel comprises a central bar receiving hole, a first screw receiving hole, and a second screw receiving hole; the central bar receiving hole being positioned in between the first screw receiving hole and the second screw receiving hole; and the central bar receiving hole, the first screw receiving hole, and the second screw receiving hole of the second attachment panel traversing through the second attachment panel.
 12. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 11 comprises: the central bar receiving hole of the second attachment panel being concentrically aligned with the second weight engaging portion; and the second weight engaging portion traversing through the central bar receiving hole.
 13. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 2 comprises: the first collar further comprises a circular structural body and a plurality of protrusions; the central hole traversing through the circular structural body; and the plurality of protrusions being perimetrically positioned around the circular structural body opposite the central hole.
 14. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 3 comprises: the second collar further comprises a circular structural body and a plurality of protrusions; the central hole traversing through the circular structural body; and the plurality of protrusions being perimetrically positioned around the circular structural body opposite the central hole.
 15. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a plurality of weight plates; each of the plurality of weight plates comprises a structural body and a receiving hole; the receiving hole perpendicularly traversing through the structural body; and the plurality of weight plates being attached to the first weight engaging portion and the second weight engaging portion.
 16. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 15 comprises: a first collar; the receiving hole being concentrically aligned with the first weight engaging portion; the first weight engaging portion traversing through the receiving hole; and the plurality of weight plates being positioned in between the first attachment panel and the first collar.
 17. The dumbbell with multiple gripping positions as claimed in claim 15 comprises: a second collar; the receiving hole being concentrically aligned with the second weight engaging portion; the second weight engaging portion traversing through the receiving hole; and the plurality of weight plates being positioned in between the second attachment panel and the second collar. 